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December 6, 2025

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

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CAN Notes: School Board Highlights

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Board President Michael Diaz opened the Work Session at 4:30 pm. The Board received presentations from Ms. Myesha Ford, Principal of Maple Elementary School (MES) and Ms Marybeth Blake, Principal of Warwick Elementary School (WES).

Ms. Ford reported that 450 students are currently enrolled at MES, compared to 402 students enrolled for School Year (SY) 2022-2023. Ms Ford indicated that about 51% of Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade students are currently performing on grade level or above on measures of English Language Arts (ELA). The goal at MES is for 60% of PreK through 5th grade students to perform on grade level or above on ELA measures by the end of this school year, compared to 53.4% at the end of SY2022-2023. She also outlined several programs and incentives to encourage and enhance reading, such as daily independent reading and Reading Night events.

Ms. Ford indicated that about 49.5% of 1st through 5th grade students have achieved their growth goals on Mathematics measures. The goal at MES is for 57% of 1st through 5th grade students to achieve their mathematics growth goals by the end of this school year, compared to 48.4% at the end of SY2022-2023. Programs to improve math performance include individual tutoring, specific math lesson studies, and iReady intervention blocks.

Ms. Ford reported that during SY2022- 2023, the average daily attendance for MES (kindergarten through 5th grade) was 90%. By the end of SY2023-2024, MES hope to achieve 92% daily attendance.  She indicted that during the SY 2022-2023, MES had an average of 14 major discipline referrals per month, but that MES is currently averaging 32 referrals per month. Their goal is to lower such referrals to an average of 15 referrals or fewer per month by June 2024. MES is in its third year of “House” implementation, featuring House incentives, House Lunches, House Celebrations, and House Movie nights. Family engagement is an area of success for MES.

Ms. Blake reported that 359 students are currently enrolled at WES, compared to 349 students enrolled for SY2022-2023. She noted that WES is a 4-Star School on the Maryland Report Card, with 92% of WES first graders on or above their reading step goal and 86% of third graders on their step target or above. She indicated that 286 Kindergarten through 5th Grade students met their first trimester reading challenge. WES is in its first year of “House” implementation with various House activities and events. She suggested that about 45 students are from outside the regular WES geographic area.

Ms. Blake reported that most WES students have their basic needs met before they come to school so the greatest focus at WES can be on reading and mathematics.  The goal at WES is to improve academic progress by increasing the number of students reading on/above level from 59% to 64% and increasing students’ accuracy on their grade level basic math facts by half their current gap by the end of the year. WES is also working on inclusion, especially of special needs students, and addressing the social and emotional needs of WES students. Parent engagement at WES is very strong and has resulted in many parent-provided enhancements that most DCPS schools do not have.

President Diaz provided an overview of the process for developing and reviewing the proposed Budget for SY2023-2024. This year, the Board’s Budget Committees is taking a deep-dive into the budget process, devoting 4-6 weeks to understanding elementary school budgeting, followed by a deep-dive into middle and high school budgeting. The Board will hold public meetings at the end of each segment to keep the community informed. President Diaz indicated that our representatives in the State legislature have revealed that the two most active issues under discussion involve the many challenges related to meeting the Maryland Educational Blueprint opbjectives and dealing with the increasing juvenile justice problems.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 pm.

Note: Supporting documents may be found on the DCPS Board Docs website at https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/dcps/Board.nsf/Public

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CAN Notes: Downtown Stop Signs and New Software Program for City

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The Mayor opened the meeting at 6pm with a prayer for Dr. Theresa Stafford who is ill.  Dr. Stafford is a long-time community advocate and a member of the Dorchester County Board of Education. The Council then moved to amend the agenda by moving the discussion on Ordinance 1232 – which deals with appointments to City Boards — to the January 8th meeting. 

The Council approved the consent agenda with no discussion on any item.  The agenda included a list of the City’s official holidays, approval to surplus old trucks and fire equipment, a Public Art planning grant, a planning contract to turn Cedar St. into a “Green Street” and the appointment of Veronica Taylor to the Heart of the Chesapeake Heritage Area Management Board.

The Council approved the removal of all the traffic lights in the downtown area and their replacement with stop signs.  No discussion by the Council.

The Council approved a $260,000 contract to replace the existing computer programs with the “Open Gov” program.  This program, which will be used throughout the entire City government, is much more interactive and should improve services in several areas, especially code enforcement.

Upcoming Meetings:

Traffic and Safety on Dec.14 at 1pm – a virtual meeting – meet.google.com/etm-geko-xxp

Historic Preservation meeting at 6pm on Dec. 20th at Council Chambers if they have a quorum.  The HPC has lost another Chairperson.

Planning and Zoning meeting Jan. 2 at Council Chambers.

Public Comment: There was only one speaker – Shay Sisco, who complained about code enforcement letters and deadlines.  She pointed out that her mother’s house was cited because of peeling paint and the City gave her two weeks to fix the problem.  Since it is winter and it is often difficult to get a contractor quickly in Cambridge, Ms. Sisco thought the letter was out of touch with reality.  Assistant City Manager, Brandon Hesson stated that her mother could get an extension if she followed a further procedure that was not outlined in the letter.  Council discussion centered on ways to improve the letter.

The City Manager reported that the City was ending the contract with Oasis for management of the City Marina and that the City will take over that responsibility. 

The open meeting ended at 6:52 a near record pace for the only meeting in December.  The Council then went into a closed session.

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CAN Meeting: A Conversation with Police Chief Justin Todd December 13

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CAN will hold its December meeting at 6:30 pm on December 13th in the lower level of the Cambridge Public Library. The meeting will provide an update from Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd on crime in the City, police staffing, and the new Juvenile Reform Act. In addition, Mayor Steve Rideout, a former Juvenile Court Judge, will drop by to talk about his efforts with juveniles and adjusting programs to make them work better for individuals and the community. Captain Antoine Patton will talk about how to start your own Neighborhood Watch program. The meeting will be live-streamed (thanks to WHCP-FM 91.7) for those who cannot attend in person.

 

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CAN Notes: Board of Education Highlights for November 16th

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The Board went into closed Executive Session at 4:00 pm to discuss personnel, negotiations, legal matters, and administrative functions. Board President Susan Morgan opened the Public Meeting at 6:05 pm. 

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Superintendent reviewed the Board Calendar (see below), and the three Student Board Representatives presented highlights of recent activities at North Dorchester (ND) HS, Cambridge-South Dorchester (CSD) HS, and the Dorchester Career & Technical Center (DCTC). 

The Board recognized the excellent work done by Meals til Monday since 2017 to support DCPS students and families facing food insecurity.

Ms, Laurie Bell provided the Board with the annual report on the activities of the Maryland Business Roundtable (MBRT) Next Generation Scholars Program at Cambridge-South Dorchester HS.

Dr. Jodi Colman, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment provided the Board with the Beginning of the Year instructional update on Reading and Mathematics performance. Dr. Coleman reported that gaps between performance at the end of last year and the beginning of this year were somewhat smaller than in previous years.  Some growth was shown in ELA (reading and writing) at several schools, including Hurlock ES, Sandy Hill ES, Vienna ES, Warwick ES, and CSD HS. Math results were not as good. Teachers are focusing on working with individual students to address their specific skill deficits. Structured intervention strategies are available for teachers to develop targeted instructional plans for individual students. DCPS has begun using a survey tool to access student engagement and instructional activities.

Under its Consent Agenda, the Board approved the minutes of previous meetings and work sessions; updated policies on conflicts of interest, financial disclosures, lobbying, grade reporting, homework, mandatory child abuse reporting, food services operations and school wellness, the updated Capital Improvement Plan, and an MOU on Non-Certificated Administrators and Supervisors.

The Board approved a grant is from the University of MD Center for Computing Education for $10,168.12 to support the K-12 computer science program; payment to the High Road School and the Strawbridge School for non-public placements of students with disabilities (for each student, the DCPS contribution is $59,437 and the MSDE contribution is $59,196); the North Dorchester High School Lacrosse Program; a textbook for adolescent students who need continued support with foundational reading skills; an advanced placement textbook recommended by the College Board for use in AP Modern World History classes; and new floorcoverings for all PK-1st Grade Classrooms at Choptank ES ($100,804.71). The Board also approved the first reading of updated policies on ethics exemptions, ethics sanctions, equal opportunity employment, and recruitment and hiring. The December monthly meeting of the Board will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023.

The Board received the Appropriation & Expenditures Report and the Capital Projects and Technology Report, neither of which included any items of concern.  

There were no oral or written comments from the public attending the meeting.

Board Members and the Superintendent delivered closing remarks, thanking Dr. Coleman for the instructional report and all those who participated in the meeting. Mr. Diaz commended Mr. Mike Richardson for his continuing efforts to ensure that our schools are safe and secure. Mr. Wheedleton emphasized the importance of data driven instruction and community collaboration, and Ms. Hubbard stressed the importance of the efforts being made to improving reading performance. Dr. Stafford noted that the holiday season should make everyone appreciate the importance of family. Dr. Morgan quoted Oprah Winfrey’s statement that “Education is the way to move mountains, to build bridges, to change the world.”  The Superintendent announced that, beginning in December and continuing over the following few months, he will be holding an evening Superintendent’s Forum in every school.

The Public Meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm

 

  

 

   

            

 

   

 

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CAN Notes: Homelessness and Council Approvals Highlight Cambridge Council Meeting

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The Mayor opened the meeting as usual at 6:03 and introduced the first of two speakers.

Kourtney Postley, Division Coordinator for Lead 4 Life started the presentation on their services.  Lead 4 Life Organization has just come to Cambridge and they offer a number of programs to help the community.  The two areas they focused on were people returning to the community from prison.  They help these individuals with a mentoring program, assistance getting started in the community, help with getting jobs, re-establishing licensing, funds for medical and dental assistance, mental health issues, and life coaching.  The second program was assistance with gun intervention with teens.  They had several programs to identify youths with weapons and how to deal with that issue.  They also wanted to interface with the police in that effort.

Valerie Davis gave an emotional presentation on homelessness in Cambridge.  Ms. Davis works for Delmarva Community Services which helps in finding shelter for individuals and families in need of help.  She was concerned with the lack of facilities in Cambridge and the growing number of elder homeless people, especially women.  She commended the Salvation Army who provides the largest shelter in Cambridge but said the City needs to do more in getting people off the street especially with the coming of winter.

The Council then moved on to the consent agenda which contained approval of past meeting minutes, upcoming civic events and three items of interest:

  1. HOW (Home Ownership Works) program, sub recipient agreement- This lengthy title gives Cambridge $3 million from the State to build single family homes in the Pine St. district.  This is very positive development for the City.
  2. The Council approved an Arts and Entertainment District Advisory Committee as required under the Act.  The Committee has several areas of responsibility under the State program in order to get special tax credits for artist and art projects in the District.
  3. Somerset Ave/ School St. traffic calming project.  The City will try painted areas and bump outs to try to calm the speeding on Somerset.  This is a long time problem for the residents and hopefully this will help.

The Council then approved at first reading Ordinance 1232 which defined responsibilities of citizens representing the City on Board and Commissions.  They also approved Ordinance 1233 which rezoned several parcels of land from General Commercial to Downtown/Waterfront Development District.  There was no discussion on either of these Ordinances. 

Under Old Business, the Council approved going forward with the Traffic Study implementation plan which would remove all the traffic lights in the downtown area and leave those walking on their own.  Councilman Sputty Cephas wanted more community and business information before going further and the Council agreed to waiting until December before starting.  What is being proposed is as follows: Remove the traffic lights at

  1. High St. and Glasgow
  2. High St. and Poplar St./locust St.
  3. Race St./Poplar St. and Gay St.
  4. Race St. and Muir St.
  5. Gay St. and Muse St.
  6. Gay St. and Academy/Spring St.

The report said it would make traffic go smoother and people walking safer and that the business community was in total agreement.  Commissioner Cephas was not so sure everyone agreed so there is an extended period of community input.  So if you want to comment, you need to contract your Commissioner.  This is the only chance you are going to get.

Departmental Reports:

George Hyde, the City engineer submitted a report to build a stage/pavilion at Cannery Park.

Ina Holden presented a new City employee plan that gave an option on which medical insurance a City employee could get.

The City Manager introduced the new plan for Code enforcement which will have a scheduled process on which streets the City is focusing on.  The following is the first list to be reviewed.

  • Robbins St.
  • Glasgow St.
  • Mace Lane
  • Academy and Light St.
  • Maryland Ave. and Rambler Rd
  • Patamoke Way
  • Pleasant St.
  • Radiance Drive

This is part of a whole process to revamp the City’s code enforce process.

Other City updates are as follows:

The City is trying to work with CWDI (Cambridge Waterfront Development) to make some adjustments to their approach to get more tax revenue for the City and County.  CWDI is reluctant to make any changes.

The City has not come to an agreement with Oasis for the management of the Marina for next year.  Oasis has agreed to extend through the first quarter next year to work out the contract.

The City has hired Drew Koslow, an Environmental Program Manager from a three year grant.  He will work on shoreline resiliency and storm water management.  He is a welcome addition.

In other great news, George Hyde has agreed to stay on board for another year.  George has been the City Engineer for a number of years and has a wealth of knowledge.  He is also a very nice guy.

The City received a $320,000 grant from the Federal Department of Transportation to improve the bicycle lanes in Cambridge.

The Council went through the 128 page agenda in an hour and four minutes and ended the open meeting at 7:07.  They then went into closed session.

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Shoreline Resilience the Topic for CAN Meeting November 8

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This is a reminder about the upcoming CAN meeting on Shoreline Resilience at the Library next Wednesday, November 8th  at 6:30.  Everyone who grew up here has memories of the River and those of us who moved here were drawn by the River.  Now the River is rising and there are plans in the works to protect our shoreline.

Come hear Larry White talk about the multi-million dollar project to protect the City and stabilize the shoreline.  The project will go from Great Marsh Park all the way to Cambridge Creek, so it will affect almost the entire Cambridge waterfront.  Come to listen and have your questions answered.

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CAN Notes: City Council Divided Over Support for Hearn Building Project and More

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The meeting started as usual at 6 pm with a moment of silence for those lost in Israel and Ukraine. The Council then approved the Consent Agenda, which included past minutes, upcoming social events and ARPA funding updates, but did not approve appointments to Arts & Entertainment Committee because the Committee had not yet been established. The Council then voted to establish the Committee, but Lajan Cephas opposed the appointments, saying she wanted a chance to look over the responsibilities of the just-established Committee. The other members agreed, and the appointments were postponed until a later date.

The Council went on to approve a number of resolutions as follows:

  1. Resolution #2023-02 changed the Ward boundaries of Cambridge to comply with the Court order to have equal populations in Wards (within 5%).
  2. Ordinance #1231 authorized acquisition of property at 645 Washington St.
  3. Resolution #2023-01 made 85 amendments to the City Charter of Cambridge, including the following:
  1. Moving the voting time from November to May.
  2. Changing residency requirements for Commissioners.
  3. Allowing Council to appoint a Commissioner in lieu of an election if a vacancy occurs after the second year of a term. This resolution was amended by Lajan Cephas to allow virtual, as well as physical, attendance of Council Members to be counted for quorum purposes. No public comment was allowed on the amendment.  The amended resolution passed 5/0 and will take effect in 40 days.
  1. Three Ordinances #1226, 1227, 1228 dealt with overlay zoning for the YMCA property on 201 Talbot St. Public comments by Judd Vickers for CAN and Robbie Gill for the YMCA were in favor of the three ordinances.
  2. Ordinance # 1230 authorized acquisition of property at 701 Lincoln Terrace.
  3. Resolution # 23-11 allowed Cambridge to accept grant funding from the Maryland Historical Trust.

There was a lengthy discussion on whether or not the Council should support Commissioner’s Roche’s letter to the State regarding the Hearn building.  Commissioner Roche pointed out that the City did not need more low-income housing especially in the downtown area.  In addition, he said each unit would cost $500,000 and it would be cheaper to give people a house free of charge. He also stated the developer had no responsibility for the operation of the building after construction, so the City would be responsible for any problems that developed.  The Council, led by Commissioner Lajan Cephas, rejected supporting Commissioner Roche’s letter and instead wanted a meeting with the developer and the State to talk about ways to make the project work. The Council voted 4-1 against supporting Commissioner Roche’s  letter.   

Upcoming Event: Halloween, Tuesday October 31, 2023, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Planning and Zoning Commission – November 7, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
  2. Traffic and Safety Committee – November 9, 1:00 pm, virtual meeting accessible at meet.google.com/etm-gcko-xxp
  3. City Council, November 13, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
  4. Historic Preservation Commission – November 16, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers

The meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm.

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CAN Notes: Board of Education Talks About Work with Vision Quest and More

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President Morgan’s closing statement can be found on her website at https://susanmorganschoolboard.com

The Board went into closed Executive Session at 4:00 pm to discuss personnel, negotiations, legal matters, and administrative functions. Board President Susan Morgan opened the Public Meeting at 6:05 pm. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Board voted to reconvene in Executive Session at the close of the Public Meeting. Dr. Morgan then delivered the following statement:

There has been a lot of talk and many rumors have been going around the district about the recent contract DCPS has made with Vision Quest. This is not the first time DCPS has engaged the services of a private organization to help with behavioral issues of students. Previous contractors have proven to be ineffective and unsatisfactory. The Board searched for and methodically evaluated Vision Quest before considering their services. They presented to us data driven programs that actually work at helping students choose a different path.

Vision Quest was approved by the Dorchester County Board of Education to work with our high school students using two programs. The first program is to be conducted on the DCPS campus. It will address behavior and continue to allow the students to keep up with their schoolwork. The second program will address behavior and choices in an off-campus program designed for students who are on suspension or expulsion. Both programs will have as an important component Functional Family Therapy which works both with the students as well as their families. With Vision Quest, DCPS is getting much more than what was available through the previous contractor and for less money. This program is just part of the overall set of solutions for any student needing alternative education support.

One of the most important concerns that other Board Members and I have heard is the belief that teaching jobs will be cut due to the cost of Vision Quest. This is simply not correct. No jobs will be cut to pay for Vision Quest. It costs less money than we have paid previously, and if DCPS finds itself in a financial bind, teachers’ jobs will come first. I hope this has assuaged your concerns. If questions arise, please continue to let us know. Thank you.

The Superintendent reviewed the Board Calendar (see below), and the three Student Board Representatives presented highlights of recent activities at North Dorchester (ND) HS, Cambridge-South Dorchester (CSD) HS, and the Dorchester Career & Technical Center (DCTC).

Mr. Jerome Stover, Principal at CSD HS, was presented with the Maryland Business Round Table (MBRT) June E. Streckfus Leadership in Education Partnerships Award for his support of the Next Generation Scholars Program,

An annual audit of the of Dorchester County Board of Education’s fiscal operations was conducted as required by law. The audit was performed by UHY LLP, whose representative reported clean opinions for all of the audits conducted and noted that a clean opinion is highest level of audit finding. Certain minor deficiencies in internal controls were identified that provide opportunities for strengthening controls and operating efficiency. UHY continues to encourage the Board to monitor and review the financial activity at its schools as frequently as possible.

Dr. Coleman provided the Board with an instructional update on data used to track progress on the key performance indicators from the Academic Success Priority Areas of the Strategic Plan. Schools that demonstrated the most significant growth overall on the English Language Arts (ELA/L) assessments from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023 included Hurlock ES Sandy Hill ES, Vienna ES , Warwick ES, North Dorchester MS and CSD HS. Schools that demonstrated the most significant growth overall on the Math assessments from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023 included Hurlock ES and South Dorchester School (SDK8). However, DCPS continues to rank 22nd and 23rd in the State on these assessments. Efforts are underway to expand use across DCPS of strategies that have been working in the more successful DCPS programs. At the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year (SY), 76.6% of first-time 9th grade students at CSD HS were classified as on-track towards graduation, while 88.6% of first-time 9th grade students at ND HS were classified as on-track. Looking solely at First Quarter SY2023-24 data, 66% of CSD 9th graders are currently on track for graduation and 85% of ND 9th graders are on track. During the first semester of SY2023-24, 132 students were enrolled in dual enrollment course(s), participating in an internship, and/or taking advantage of a work-based learning opportunity. Going forward, College and Career Readiness standards under the Maryland Blueprint will have to factor into how many dual enrollment courses an individual student will be able to take.

The second reading of updated policies related to purchasing were approved under the Consent Agenda.

The Board unanimously approved the following items (except as noted):
Personnel actions discussed during tonight’s Executive Session (to be announced shortly).
Obligation and payment to High Road School of Anne Arundel County for services for a student with disabilities. DCPS contribution = $38,598 MSDE contribution = $10,570.
Obligation and payment to Villa Maria School (Revised) for services for a student with disabilities. DCPS contribution = $59,698. MSDE contribution = $59,804.
Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) for 2024.
Furnish and install new security fencing at the Sandy Hill ES playground. $116,636.
Replace Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems at SDK8. $9,929,700.
Install new base and wall cabinets for six water damaged classrooms at Hurlock ES. $125,020.
Updated policy raising from $25,000 to $75,000 the level of expenditures that must be approved by the Board. Approved by 3-2 vote.
First reading of updated policies related to ethics, grade reporting and homework, child abuse reporting, and business.

The Board received information regarding the “All for Love” mentoring program, the Appropriation & Expenditures Report, the Capital Projects and Technology Report, and the draft Quarterly Grant Report, none of which included any items of concern.

In public comments, the President of Dorchester Educators stressed that Board Members have an obligation to use appropriate and respectful language when addressing or referring to teachers and staff. Board Members should be encouraging and supportive of teachers and staff, rather than disrespecting and demoralizing them. A Maple ES parent expressed disappointment that tutoring is not available for all students and stated that maintaining teacher positions must be paramount. Two comments questioned various aspects of the Vision Quest contract and emphasized that it must be monitored closely to demonstrate effectiveness. One comment representing MidShore Mediation noted that its efforts are focused on conflict resolution and that students have viewed their mediation as reducing conflict going forward. The Board instructed the Superintendent to work with MidShore Mediation to identify and compile concrete outcome measures.

Board Members and the Superintendent delivered closing remarks, thanking all those who participated in the meeting. The Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:48 pm. The Board then reconvened in closed Executive Session and adjourned at 9:40 pm.

Supporting documents may be found on the DCPS Board Docs website at https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/dcps/Board.nsf/Public. President Morgan’s closing statement can be found on her website at https://susanmorganschoolboard.com

UPCOMING BOARD EVENTS

Friday, October 20, 2023
Schools/Offices Closed MSEA Conference
Thursday, November 9, 2023
4:30 p.m.
Board Work Session
at
Dorchester County Board of Education
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
No School for Students Professional Development Day
Friday, November 10, 2023
Half-Day for Students
Report Card Prep for Teachers
November 13-17, 2023
American Education Week
Thursday, November 16, 2023
6:00 p.m.
Regular December Meeting of the Dorchester County Board of Education DCTC
November 22-24, 2023
No School/Offices Closed
Thanksgiving

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CAN Notes: City Council Tackles Ward Realignment, Charter Amendments, and Curfew Ordinance

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City Council again met at the Empowerment Center on Pine St. while the City Council Chamber windows are being repaired. For the meeting, the City did make some improvements to the visual and audio systems but it was still difficult to hear some of the comments.

That said, the meeting started off with a presentation by Ward Realignment Committee Chair Jim Sicks and Vice Chair Greg Meekins. The purpose of the Committee is to keep the populations of the Wards balanced to within 5% of each other. Cambridge has grown from the last census by 747 people to 13,096 which divided by the 5 wards gives an average of 2,619 people per Ward. Wards 2, 3, and 4 fit into the 5% differential however, Ward 1 had too many people and Ward 5 actually lost people from the last census.

The problem the Committee has is that Ward 1 and Ward 5 don’t touch each other so the Committee could not just switch some people from Ward 1 to Ward 5. The Committee came up with a plan to move people from Wards 3 and 4 to Ward 5 and to backfill Wards 3 and 4 from Ward 1. While this seems very complicated, the moves only involve 3 % of the City population. The City Council decided to have a listening session so the public could see what streets are involved and ask questions of the Ward Realignment Committee. The session will be held on September 28th at 6pm at City Hall, 410 Academy St. in the Utility Conference Room.

The Council moved on to the Consent agenda which contained some of the usual requests for events in the City but also included a report that the demolition of Club Dujour, a project that has been discussed for the last 12 months, will in fact take place. Also included on the Consent agenda was a decision to pursue a consulting contract to establish the right size for the Police department, a report on reinstating impact fees on new construction, and finally, an agreement between the City and the Packing House on an easement and parking spaces for people using the Rails to Trails bike path. The cost of the parking and easement to the spaces is $333,000. All of these projects are very detailed but the Council had no comments and passed everything on a 5/0 vote.

The next topic was an update on the Charter changes. The City Manager and the City Attorney have compiled changes they made which included suggestions from the two listening sessions. The proposal which is quite detailed, covering over 17 pages of the Charter and involving over 80 changes is now open again for 21 days for additional public comment. The Council will vote on the changes at the October 23 Council Meeting.

Some of the major changes are: 1) Moving the election date from November to May, 2) Allowing the Commissioners to appoint a replacement in the vacant Ward if a vacancy occurs in the last two years of a term including the Mayor’s position, 3) If a position is vacant in the last 4 months of the term, it will remain vacant. The Council made no comments on the proposal.

The Curfew Ordinance was read for the second time which means there can be public comment. Three people commented on the Ordinance. The first, a retired teacher, was in support of the Ordinance because it reinforced the need for juveniles to study on weeknights. Dr. Theresa Stafford commented that the Ordinance should include financial penalties and finally, LaShon Foster wanted to know what happens if the police pick up a juvenile who does not live in the City. The Police Chief said the parents would be notified but the enforcement mechanisms in the Ordinance would not apply. The Council then moved out of public comment section of the meeting and accepted amendments from the Council members. The Mayor made a number of changes (10 to 12) which were approved by the Council but they did not allow any public comments on the amendments. The Council then voted to approve the Amended Ordinance.

In the New Business Section of the meeting, the Council heard about “Policing by Environmental Design Concept”. This is a long title for allowing the Police to close streets or limit access to Parks or other areas that are known for criminal activity. The Police Chief wants to try it out on the Calvin Mowbray and Stephen Camper Park. The Chief wants to be able to talk to the neighborhoods before taking any action and has a meeting set up on October 18th at the Park to discuss his ideas.
The Council also received a report from Assistant City Engineer Bucky Jackson on traffic. It contained two proposals and recommendations from the Traffic Committee. The first involved traffic calming on Somerset Ave. and the second involved removing six traffic lights in the downtown area and replacing them with stop signs. The Traffic and Safety Committee is meeting on October 12th to discuss these issues. The meeting is virtual and can be seen at https://meet.google.com/etm-gcko-xxp?hs=224

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CAN Notes: School Board Addresses Academic Performance Standards

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The Board went into closed Executive Session at 4:00 pm to discuss personnel, negotiations, legal matters, and administrative functions. Board President Susan Morgan opened the Public Meeting at 6:10 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance, review of the Board Calendar (see below), and comments from Student Board Representatives. The Board voted to add two items to the agenda (a) discussion on the dance team, and (b) discussion of the Vision Quest DCPS Alternative Education Program contract.

Dr. Coleman and Dr. Aber provided the Board with an instructional update on data that will be used to track progress on the key performance indicators from the Academic Success Priority Areas of the Strategic Plan.

  • The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for District Data:
    • English Language Arts (ELA) 3-8 & 10. Reading gaps, especially for secondary students, need to be identified and addressed. Teacher training in the science of reading and additional learning modules for students are being implemented. Diagnostics and assessments of students are being conducted to identify and address individual student gaps.
    • Math 3-8, Algebra 1, Algebra. 2, Geography. Work needs to be done to improve math performance. Tools are being used to identify and address gaps, especially in math discourse.
  • Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) District Data. Government and Biology instructional and assessments are currently in transition.
  • College and Career Readiness Report. DCPS has very few students meeting this standard.  Efforts are under way to determine why strategies used to date have not worked and what is needed to raise student performance.  Evaluation of math instruction in DCPS is underway and strategies are being implemented on how to improve instructional strategies and engagement.
  • DCPS Summer Academy. DCPS invited 768 students to participate based on the needs for specific skills needed by individual students. Only about 200 students took advantage of this opportunity. Elementary school students demonstrated improvement in phonics. Middle school students needed comprehension skills rather than basic skills.  Engagement is an important aspect of success.

No members of the public delivered comments for presentation at the meeting, either orally or in writing.

Dr. Stafford questioned why Dance Team activities have been restricted even though this program has proven itself to be effective in improving both academic and behavioral measures. The Superintendent indicated that problem involves bargaining unit issues that he hopes to resolve within a matter of days.

The Consent Agenda consisted of Board Meeting and Work Session minutes and was approved unanimously.  The Board unanimously approved the personnel appointments (to be announced shortly) discussed during the Executive Session and recognized the following recent appointees: 

  • Dr. Jymil Thompson, Assistant Superintendent, Central Office – Effective:  September 25, 2023.
  • Dr. Donald Boyd, Supervisor of Strategic Initiatives, Central Office – Effective: September 18, 2023.
  • Ms. Chloe Hackett, Assistant Principal, Maple Elementary School – Effective: September 1, 2023.

The Board approved the following programs unanimously unless otherwise indicated:

  • Use of the 7 Mindsets platform, which is a Tier I scaffolded social emotional leaning curriculum focused on shifting mindsets and wellbeing. DCPS will utilize this platform for grades 6-12 as its social emotional learning platform ($64,800, 2-year contract). The program will be implemented by teachers with results accessible to counselors and social workers. The platform has been used successfully in Charles County (for four years) and Woodson High School in Washington, DC (for two years) relative to discipline and attendance data. The platform will be implemented in January with teacher training developed this Fall.

  • An agreement between Chesapeake College and DCPS to establish the standards for enrollment in Chesapeake College for high school students participating in Dual Enrollment, Gifted & Talented Early College Enrollment, and CTE Programs. The agreement is required by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The components outlined in the agreement align with State requirements and the feedback from the Accountability & Implementation (AIB).  The fine surrounding Eastern Shore counties meet regularly to further define this agreement and the procedures that will be followed.  The Dorchester County Board of Education will be responsible for all applicable tuition, fees, and course-specific supplies. Total cost will depend on enrollment. The anticipated cost for Fall 2023 is $78,000, and the anticipated total cost for the SY2023-24 school year is $160,000.  These costs reflect a doubling of enrollment over last year with a corresponding decline in advance placement and CEU enrollments.  School Counselors are currently responsible for monitoring the program for DCPS. Going forward, details regarding appropriate courses, limitations, monitoring, and effectiveness remain to be worked out fully with the five cooperating Eastern Shore counties.

  • Student licenses and professional development for the TeachTown platform, which provides a method of instruction to develop play skills of young students and students with disabilities.  The licenses provide a data collection instrument to monitor progress on these skills. The platform will be implemented in all PK3 and PK4 classrooms who have students with IEPs or IFSPs at a cost of $36,370.

  • Continued use of Mid Shore Community Mediation Center for DCPS for SY2023-24 at a cost of $56,000. Board members noted that outcome and impact data have not been provided as requested, and questioned why the program was not implemented in the schools with the highest mediation needs. Tabled by 3-2 vote pending receipt of the requested information.

  • Adoption of the Raptor Technologies School Safety Visitor Management platform, which screens and tracks school visitors and volunteers, manages the volunteer program, provides staff training, and responds to emergencies. Initial startup cost is $31,801.40 with a yearly cost of $17,430, beginning July 1, 2024.

  • Replacement of the original equipment rooftop Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and modifying the ductwork at Choptank ES to allow for dedicated ventilation air or fresh air for students and teachers. The project includes kitchen ventilation replacements, ductwork, and ceiling system replacements. The cost is $2,736,034 to be funded through ESSER and State funding.

  • Request for State funding for FY2025 under the Capital improvement Plan (CIP) to continue the Elementary Security Vestibule program at Hurlock ES, Vienna ES, South Dorchester School, and Warwick ES; repair and improve the original HVAC ductwork and air-handling systems at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School; renovate the Warwick ES gymnasium; replace rooftop and rooftop equipment at Mace’s Lane HS; meet ES education specifications countywide; and perform renovation versus replacement assessments for open space elementary schools. Once endorsed by the County Council, the request goes to the State for approval by the legislature.

  • Payment for services for a student with disabilities placed at Villa Maria School under an Individual Education Plan IEP. The DCPS contribution is $47,980 and the MSDE contribution is $32,461. Dr. Coleman reviewed the processes for determining when a nonpublic placement is warranted. DCPS relatively few nonpublic placements.

  • Payment for services for three students with disabilities placed at The Benedictine School under an IEP. The DCPS contribution for each student is $64,669, and the MSDE contribution for each student is $71,404.

  • Contract with Vision Quest for the DCPS Alternative Education Program consisting of: (a) In-school services including psycho-educational groups, anger management, conflict resolution, substance abuse education, and case management. (2) Off-Campus services including full curriculum educational services and appropriate behavioral support services by staff certified by MSDE to promote the successful return to the student’s regular academic program; (c) Family Functional Therapy when referred by the Vision Quest Case Manager or the DCPS Director of Student Services; (d) and comprehensive documentation on each DCPS student’s progress within the Vision Quest Services program on no less than a monthly basis at a cost of $93,363.00 per month for up to three years. Approved with a vote of 3 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 abstention.

  • Grants received by the school district during the month of August 2023, but not included in the approved Operating Budget: Grants from MSDE for $132,398 for CES school improvement initiatives, including salary and contracted services for professional development; $22,965 for CES school improvement initiatives and supplies; $390,000 to support the pre-k program.

The Board unanimously approved for a Second Reading (a) 8 policies involving purchasing requirements, and (b) the merger of three policies involving the Board’s legal basis.

The Board received a no-cost MOU for provision of school-based mental health services in DCPS buildings by qualified staff of the New Day, New Start agency. The Board also received the Appropriation & Expenditures Report and the Capital Projects Report, which contained nothing out of the ordinary.

Board members welcomed the student representatives and encouraged them to participate; thanked the Human Resources Department for its efforts in recruiting certificated teachers; welcomed Dr. Thompson and Dr. Boyd and thanked them for choosing DCPS; welcomed new and returning teachers and staff; thanked the Executive Team, principals and thie leadership teams, teachers, and staff for their work in for getting DCPS ready for the school year; emphasized the need for continued and expanded partnering with the business community to developing career readiness opportunities; and stressed the need for young adult education in Dorchester County. Student Board representatives indicated they are excited about the new school year and about serving as Board representatives.

The Superintendent thanked everyone who attended or watched tonight’s meeting, as well the DCPS personnel who made presentations this evening. He welcomed Dr. Thompson and Dr, Board, and welcomed and thanked new and returning teachers and staff. He expressed concerned about the number of altercations and suspensions that have taken place so early on the year.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.

  

            

 

   

 

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